Subaru transmissions
A-1 Transmission in Reno works on every type of transmission, including Subaru's Lineartronic CVT, the transmission listed for every 2022 automatic Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Legacy. The NHTSA table below covers those four models; the counts are unverified owner reports and track sales.
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Subaru calls its continuously variable transmission Lineartronic, and for model year 2022 every automatic in the four model lines on this page is listed as one. Because every model in the table is all-wheel drive, the transmission also feeds power to both axles, which shapes how a problem can show up. Here is what the public listings and complaint data say, and what to have ready when you call.
At a glance
- Four models in the table: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek and Legacy
- Outback: 429 power train complaints out of 6,380 (7%)
- Every 2022 automatic in the four lines is listed as a CVT (AV-S7 or AV-S8)
- All four are listed as all-wheel drive on fueleconomy.gov
Lineartronic: Subaru's name for its CVT
Lineartronic is Subaru's marketing name for a continuously variable transmission, in the same way other makers use their own names for the design. Subaru has a long history with CVTs: the 1987 Subaru Justy offered one of the first electronically controlled steel-belt CVTs. In a pulley CVT, two pulleys whose working diameters change are joined by a belt or chain, and that link carries the engine's power with no fixed gear steps. The guide what is a CVT explains the parts in plain words.
What the fueleconomy.gov listings show
For model year 2014, the Forester, the Legacy and the Outback with the 2.5 L engine and the XV Crosstrek are listed with automatics with variable gear ratios, which are CVTs. The Legacy and Outback with the 3.6 L six were the exception, listed with a 5-speed automatic with select shift. Six-speed manuals were listed on the 2.5 L Forester, Legacy and Outback, and a 5-speed manual on the XV Crosstrek.
By 2022 every automatic in these four lines is listed as AV-S7 or AV-S8: a CVT with select shift and seven or eight steps the driver can choose. The Crosstrek with the 2.0 L engine is still listed with a 6-speed manual as well. Every one of these Subarus is listed as all-wheel drive.
How to read the Subaru rows
The Outback has 429 power train complaints out of 6,380 for model years 2012 to 2022 (7%), with the most in 2012 (107). The Forester shows 356 of 4,447 (8%), led by 2015 with 95. The Crosstrek and the Legacy each show 97, out of 953 (10%) and 1,061 (9%). Together the four models have 979 power train complaints out of 12,841, under 8%.
The figures are owner reports filed with NHTSA, not defect findings, and power train covers more than the transmission: on an all-wheel-drive vehicle it also takes in the parts that send power to the rear axle. The Crosstrek row is small because the sample is small, and a single model year with more reports is not a trend.
Signs worth a call on a Subaru
A shudder or judder when moving off, a whine or drone that follows road speed, a delay before the car moves in Drive or Reverse, a warning light on the instrument panel, or a car that feels like it is slipping are all worth a call. On an all-wheel-drive car, also mention any noise or vibration that seems to come from the rear, since the power train is more than the transmission.
Fluid, service and what the shop checks
Subaru publishes owner's manuals and maintenance information for each model and year, and the manual names the transmission fluid and the inspection or service interval. Pulley CVTs depend on lubrication: in chain designs the layered steel bands slide against each other, and a film of fluid sits between the chain and the pulleys. The shop starts with a diagnosis: your description, fluid level and condition, stored codes and a road test when the car can be driven, then explains what it found before any work is chosen.
What owners reported to NHTSA
| Make and model | All complaints, 2012 to 2022 | Powertrain complaints | Powertrain share | Model year with the most powertrain complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | 6,380 | 429 | 7% | 2012 (107) |
| Subaru Forester | 4,447 | 356 | 8% | 2015 (95) |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 953 | 97 | 10% | 2019 (24) |
| Subaru Legacy | 1,061 | 97 | 9% | 2012 (34) |
Owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defect findings. Popular models draw more complaints because more of them are on the road.
On a phone the table shows the key columns. Turn the phone sideways or use a computer to see every column.
Keep reading
Related pages
Services
Work this vehicle often needs
Automatic transmission repairAutomatic transmission repair covers the gear sets, clutches, valve body, torque converter and electronics that shift for you.
Transmission diagnosisTransmission diagnosis is the step where a mechanic finds out what is actually wrong before choosing a repair.
Transmission fluid serviceTransmission fluid service replaces the worn fluid that cools, lubricates and operates your transmission.Vehicles
Other vehicles
Answers
Subaru transmissions questions
Still have a question? Call (775) 829-1333 during shop hours. More answers are on the questions page.
Does A-1 Transmission work on Subaru CVTs?
Yes. The shop works on every type of transmission, automatic, manual, CVT and dual-clutch, in foreign and domestic vehicles. Call with the year, model, engine and mileage.
What is Lineartronic?
It is Subaru's name for its continuously variable transmission, a design that changes ratio smoothly with pulleys and a belt or chain instead of fixed gears.
Why does my Subaru seem to shift like a regular automatic?
Many recent Subaru CVTs are listed with select shift, which gives set steps the driver can choose and can make the CVT feel stepped.
Does the NHTSA table mean Subaru CVTs fail?
No. It counts unverified owner reports, which follow sales, and the power train category is wider than the transmission.